The third ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18. With the three-match series evenly balanced at 1–1, the contest has turned out to be far more competitive than initially anticipated. Despite missing several first-choice players, New Zealand have put in commendable performances. A gripping finish is expected as the bilateral series draws to a close.
India squad for the New Zealand ODI series: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ayush Badoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand squad for the India ODI series: Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young.
Here are three key things to watch in the third India vs New Zealand ODI:
#1 Will Nitish Kumar Reddy be handed a more prominent role?
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate recently made some noteworthy remarks about Nitish Kumar Reddy, suggesting that the all-rounder has not made a significant impact in the opportunities he has received. However, he clarified that the responsibility for this lies with the leadership group rather than the player. It remains to be seen how India utilise Reddy in the third ODI in Indore.
There is a possibility he could be entrusted with a larger role with the ball, particularly in the powerplay, where his ability to generate movement with the new ball could prove useful. Reddy could also be considered for the No. 5 position, which has been shared by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, although KL Rahul remains the preferred option for that spot.
#2 Arshdeep Singh could be considered for selection in the 3rd ODI
India’s fast bowlers have maintained reasonable discipline across the first two ODIs, but wickets have been hard to come by. Mohammed Siraj has struggled to make an impact with the new ball, while Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have managed a few breakthroughs without providing the level of penetration India would have hoped for.
A major talking point ahead of the third ODI is the possible inclusion of Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer is one of India’s most effective powerplay bowlers and is also a reliable option at the death. After being left out of the first two games, Arshdeep will be eager to make a statement, though it remains uncertain whether India will opt to play him with the T20I series coming up next.
#3 Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be aiming for big scores
India’s top order can no longer afford to bat with complete freedom. With depth only up to No. 7, a more measured and pragmatic approach is required. Neither Rohit Sharma nor Shubman Gill has registered a substantial score in the series so far. Gill has reached a half-century, but Rohit is yet to produce an innings that reflects his form.
Both batters will be keen to put together a significant partnership to place India in a strong position. Seeing Rohit and Gill perform in tandem will be a key point of interest in the third ODI.
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